Fireplaces are one of the most popular investments among property owners, and one of the most effective ways to transform a room. 

Not only do they make a room more cosy, usable and inviting, but they are also a brilliant aesthetic addition, which can be completely customised to suit your signature style. 

While you can install a new fireplace yourself, enlisting professional installers (like The Fireplace Studio’s expert team) is the best way to ensure a fireplace looks flawless, and performs optimally. 

If you’re looking to invest in a new fireplace, and are debating installing it yourself, you can find our guide to the most common installation mistakes below.

1. DIY Installation

Simply put, a general DIY job (completed by someone without prior experience), is one of the most common causes of issues arising later down the line. 

Although you might be tempted to save money and do it yourself, installing a fireplace correctly requires expert knowledge and specialised tools. Any mistakes in your measurements, fittings or the gas or electric connections can result in inefficient performance, safety risks, costly repairs and a messy-looking end result. 

If you don’t have experience in this area, it’s always best to trust a professional installer.

2. Ignored Building Regulations

Depending on your property type (e.g. a flat or a terraced house) then you may need to be granted permission from your local council, before you can add a fireplace. 

Or, if your fireplace requires venting or a chimney to be installed, then you may need to receive planning permission. 

If you don’t know what regulations your property falls under, then a professional installer like The Fireplace Studio will ensure you are fully compliant with all relevant regulations.

3. Venting Flaws (Gas Fireplaces)

Gas fireplaces require venting as part of their installation. It is imperative that this is installed correctly, as it is designed to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. 

If there is a flaw in your venting, then you could risk serious safety hazards, and you may be in breach of gas safety regulations. 

This is one of the biggest benefits of working with a qualified installer like The Fireplace Studio. They will ensure the venting system is completely correct, and that your fireplace is operating with absolute safety.

4. Inaccurate Measurements

As with any installation, any small measurement error can lead to significant reversal costs. 

You need to ensure the width, depth, height and surround are all measured accurately. Such complete accuracy is very difficult for a non-specialist to achieve. 

5. Poor Positioning

Although not a safety issue, people often make mistakes in deciding where to put their fireplace.

We often see that fireplaces have been placed in a non-strategic location, which either disrupts the aesthetics of the room, or means that they block large items (like furniture or fridges). 

By enlisting a fireplace installation specialist, you can also receive their advice about placement, and get insights on points you may not otherwise have thought of. 

6. Missed Gas Leak Checks (Gas Fireplaces)

This is another essential safety point. Once a gas fireplace has been installed, you will need to perform a gas safety check, to confirm that there are no leaks. 

If you miss this step, or do not complete the check correctly, then this could pose a very serious safety risk. 

At The Fireplace Studio, our professional installers will take care of everything; from the quote to measuring, and installation to all safety checks.

7. Electrical Wiring Errors (Electric Fireplaces)

Any electric fireplace needs to be correctly installed and wired, in order for it to function properly and safely. 

Furthermore, if you don’t have a plug or power outlet near your preferred position, you will need to arrange for an electrician to wire the fireplace for you.

By arranging for a professional to install your fireplace, you will receive a comprehensive service that covers everything you may need, including extra steps like these. 

8. Insufficient Insulation (Gas Fireplaces)

Proper insulation is a key part of gas fireplace efficiency. It minimises heat loss from around the unit, thereby ensuring maximum thermal efficiency, and a long lifespan for the gas fireplace. 

A fireplace specialist will be able to ensure the insulation is not only correctly installed, but that exactly the right amount of insulation is in place, to secure optimal performance.

At The Fireplace Studio, we are one of the East Midlands’ leading fireplace specialists. We offer a comprehensive and dependable service, delivered by a friendly team of highly skilled, fully trained professionals. We can take care of every step in the process, from the initial quote, to measuring and safe installation.

To find out more about our services, or to explore our extensive range of gas and electric fireplaces, speak to our team today!